10 Dog Breeds With Green Eyes That Stand Out From The Pack

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire terriers, often called Am Staffs or Staffies, are stocky dogs with a powerful build. Hannah Hart, DVM, at Chewy, describes them as having "well-defined musculature and a broad head with prominent cheekbones." But beneath that impressive physique lies an affectionate side, and their soulful green eyes might be the first hint.

Am Staffs are known for being loyal companions who enjoy cuddling and playtime in equal measure. Provide at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can involve a mix of walks, fetch, tug-of-war, and time spent playing with puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys, Hart says.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are a quintessential family pup. Add in a light brown coat and nose as well as stunning green eyes, and you have a real show-stopping family member. With roots in hunting and retrieving, these high-energy pups often have their gaze set on the next activity, whether it be playing fetch or going for a swim. However, they’re also highly trainable and eager to please. You’ll often spot labs fulfilling the role of working service or therapy dogs.

Schnauzer

Is there anything that suits green eyes better than a beard and bushy eyebrows? Fans of green-eyed, German-born schnauzers think not. These pups have hazel, green, or brown eyes, and come in three sizes: standard, mini, and giant. Regardless of size, they all have a wiry coat that doesn't tend to shed, making them a top breed choice for those with allergies. However, their hair keeps growing, requiring regular visits to the groomer. After all, you wouldn’t want those bushy brows to hide the sight of their mesmerizing green peepers.

Chihuahua

A green-eyed Chihuahua could be your next loyal lapdog. Though they might initially be cautious around strangers and can even have a feisty spirit when they perceive their humans are being threatened, Chihuahuas are adaptable and can warm up to newcomers with proper training, Hart says. 

These small pups (no more than 6 pounds) can participate in many activities enjoyed by larger breeds. Walks, fetch, swimming, and even agility training are all great options. Just supervise playtime with larger pets and avoid letting them jump from high places due to their small size.

Shih Tzu

These regal canines almost always have dark brown eyes, but can sometimes come with green eyes and a liver and white coat. The shih tzu dates back to the 14th century, hailing from a mix of lhasa apso and Pekingese dogs. They have flowing long locks, although many choose to keep their shih tzu's hair trimmed short.

Shih tzu dogs were bred as royal house pets to members of the Ming Dynasty in China. Despite their long history, they were a guarded breed that wasn’t imported to Europe until 1930 and the United States even later, after World War II. Today, many dog lovers have their sights set on the shih tzu as a compact companion perfect for apartment living.

Dachshund

Also known as wiener dogs or doxies, dachshunds can have green eyes, in addition to brown or blue. Those with a merle coat might even have one green or blue eye and one brown, a harmless trait called heterochromia. 

They're charming pups known to be stubborn at times. Pam Weiner, president of Dachshund Rescue South Florida, says many of her rescued doxies are not fans of rainy weather and insist on using indoor pads rather than going outside in inclement weather. She adds that doxies were bred to be hunters, so their hunting instincts may lead to enthusiastic barking when they get excited, like when they see a squirrel out the window. Otherwise, “most dachshunds like nothing more than a lap to sit on.”

Great Dane

Many Great Dane puppies have blue eyes that mature to brown, but harlequin Great Danes (dark patches on a white coat) often keep their blue eyes or even have green eyes. Great Danes are one of the largest breeds out there, with males weighing up to 200 pounds. However, they require less space than you might expect, as long as they have a large bed or comfortable spot on the couch to relax and get daily exercise outdoors.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners were bred with big shoes to fill. Germany's Grand Duke envisioned the perfect hunting companion and set about creating just that, Hart says. He crossed bloodhounds with various German and French hunting dogs, and the Weimaraner was born. Initially, they were used to hunt larger game like bears, mountain lions, and wolves, and later smaller game such as birds.

One look at their floppy ears and soulful eyes—which can be blue, green, or brown—and you might never guess that their ancestors once hunted large game. However, modern-day Weimaraners still require ample exercise and plenty of space to romp around.

English Springer Spaniel

If eyes are windows to the soul, then one look into this green-eyed cutie's gaze will reveal a cheerful pup who adores their family. Their eyes can also come in hazel, blue, or dark brown and are always accentuated by floppy ears with feathered tips.

Originally bred for hunting, English springer spaniels retain a strong prey drive, so it's important to properly introduce them to smaller furry pets and always supervise their interactions. With proper training and enough exercise (at least 60 minutes a day), English springer spaniels become beloved family dogs.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd we know today owes their roots to the American frontier rather than the land down under. As a wink to their herding history out west, you can often find these friendly family dogs gently guiding other pets and even small children along. There’s a lot more that sets them apart from other breeds, from their intelligence to their unique looks, which can include a merle coat, naturally bobbed tail, and bright green eyes.